Christmas is Comin'

With Christmas around the corner I wanted to dedicate a blog post to preparing for this special season. One great way to get into the Christmas spirit is to read Luke chapter 2 where it talks about the Savior's birth. I would also suggest reading Luke chapter 22 where it talks about how He suffered for our sins.

Another great place to go to prep for Christmas is mormon.org/christmas! It's got free videos, Christmas cards, and music. Plus if you don't have a Bible to read the above mentioned chapters you can request a free copy with the click of a button.

The Church is True

A common phrase in the Church, especially when bearing testimony is, "I know the Church is true." But what exactly does that mean?

First, let's take a look at what the word 'true' means. One definition states that true is: being in accordance with the actual state or conditions; conforming to reality or fact; not false. Another says that it's: real; genuine; authentic. So when Church members say that they believe the Church is true they are saying in a sense that they believe it is in accordance with Christ's original church, that it is not false, and that it's the real deal (genuine).

While we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claim to be the only true church we are not saying that all other churches preach nothing but false doctrine. In fact, in a General Conference of the Church, Elaine L. Jack said something to the effect of 'we don't believe we have a corner on goodness.' It's true, we don't. But we believe that we have the fullness of the truth. (See The Doctrine and Covenants 1:30)
I'll just finish by saying that I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and you can too. Visit www.mormon.org!

The Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." We cannot save ourselves. Without Jesus Christ there is nothing we could do to return to live with our Father in Heaven.

Like the scripture says, salvation is a gift from God. And just like any gift we receive, in order to use it, we first have to open it. So how do we go about opening this gift of grace?

2 Samuel 22:21 reads, " The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me." In Hebrews 11 we read of many miracles that were wrought by faith and in James chapter 2 we are taught that faith without works is dead.

In order for us to partake of the mercy of God He has asked us to have faith in Him and to keep His commandments. Doing so will allow us to open up God's gift of grace for us.

Thanksgiving 2012

Well it's about that time of year where bloggers across the U.S. post about Thanksgiving. So I figure I better get my two cents in. So here goes...

This Thanksgiving has special meaning for me as I reflect on the past two years of my mission in Montana. It has been a pleasure and a great blessing. How grateful I am to the Lord for the opportunity to serve the people here and spread the gospel. I am thankful for each of the different missionaries I have been privileged of being paired up with and learning from them. They certainly taught me a lot. I'm thankful for each of the different cities I labored in and the people I met there. I could never number the lessons learned.

My family minus our newest addition

Back at home, my family is adopting a little boy whom I am excited to meet. I am grateful for that. I am grateful for wonderful parents and their example of selfless service and unconditional love. I'm grateful for a Father above who is ever mindful of us. Most of all, I am grateful for His Son, Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice He made so we can be clean and dwell in Their presence.

In Luke 17 we find the account of the ten lepers who were healed yet only one of them turned to thank the Lord. Let us be that one. Perhaps we can encourage our nine other friends to find something to thank the Lord about too.

Who Shall Ascend to the House of the Lord?

Many people have seen a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here's an example of what one looks like in case you are unfamiliar. This one is in Accra, Ghana:

In the temple, members:

• Learn eternal truths.
• Receive sacred ordinances, including those that bind husband and wife together for eternity, as well as join children and parents (Malachi 4:5-6).
• Provide ordinances such as baptism for those who have died without the opportunity to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:29); 1 Peter 4:6).

You might wonder why only some Mormons are allowed to go inside temples. The answer: the temple is a sacred place. Those who enter must be spiritually prepared as stated in Psalms 24. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."

Everyone is invited to prepare themselves and come enjoy the blessings of the Holy Temple.

Forward or Froward?

Well, first thing. You might be wondering what the word "froward" even means. So let's just take a look at what a dictionary might say.

Froward: willfully contrary; not easily managed.

If you just switch the 'R' and the 'O' you've got the word: forward. Which means:

Forward: toward or at a place, point, or time in advance; onward; ahead.

So if you find yourself or your life not easily managed then just make a few minor adjustments. Set some goals and start moving forward instead of froward.

Come and See

Can you imagine what it must have been like to live in the days of the Savior and hear Him teach? Imagine the excitement of hearing prophecies fulfilled and seeing miracles performed. Philip, one of Christ's original 12 Aposltes, experienced the joy in discovering the long awaited Messiah. He exclaims to Nathanael, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Nathanael responds, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

Philip simply says, "Come and see." (See John 1:45-46)

Christ's gospel was lost but has been restored. To those that may say, "What good thing can come out from the Mormons??" we simply invite them to "come and see." Just click on the image below:

Oh (s)No it's Snowing

Snow. It's such an interesting thing. It fell this morning for the first time this Fall. I must admit, I had hoped that it would come later. However as it kept coming down and disappearing on contact with the concrete I thought to myself, "Say, this snow isn't so sad afterall."

Today it just came and went. But soon it will come to stay. Snow has some wonderful uses. It can be a source of water for summer months as it melts off the mountains and flows into the valley. It provides beautiful scenery, especially for a white Christmas. Plus, it can be a whole lot of fun. Jeremy Jones would attest to that.

The snow can also represent cleanness and purity. As in the case of Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

Our Father in Heaven has given us many gifts. Scriptures, snow, and sins forgiven are all signs of His sincere solicitude. All He asks is that we be willing and obedient, then we shall eat of the good of the land (see Isaiah 1:19).

No Pain, No Gain

I think it's safe to say that most everyone has heard the phrase, "No pain, no gain." And what a true principle it is. In athletics of almost any kind pain is involved in getting better. In order to get stronger you've got to literally tear your muscles. It hurts. Life hurts.

In the Book of Mormon a father says to his son, "Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain (See 2 Nephi 2:2)." Lehi,  the father here, is teaching his son Jacob that with the Lord on his side, his trials in life will work for his own betterment.

It's easy to talk about having a perspective like that but it's a different story to actually maintain that outlook. So how can we remember that the Lord is willing to help us turn our sorrows into strength??

1. Consistent study of the scriptures. When we read the scriptures we come across verses like the one above that remind us of His ever willingness to help.

2. Consistent prayer. As we communicate often with our Heavenly Father we are able to further develop our relationship with him. As we do so it will become easier to turn to Him instead of trying to shoulder the  burden alone.

3. Serving others. It provides a wonderful perspective to help lift others. In doing so, we are able to be a tool in the hand of God in assisting His children.

I know that as we do those three things we will be strengthened by our hardships and the Lord will consecrate our afflictions for our gain.

Just Keep Shootin'

The clock is continuing to count down. The ball is being bounced around. There's not a noise from the the crowd. The shot goes up... no luck. There is just enough time for one more attempt. He puts it up again from outside the three-line and... same result. 

The Kaysville 14th ward church ball team lost in the semi-finals of the annual regional tournament that year. What a disappointment. One of the players had been given two chances to win the game in those final seconds. Too bad for him; he missed his opportunity. 

Well, as I am sure you can guess, that certain player was me. Bummer, I know. I had a good friend on the team who was open. I probably should have passed it to him. But who knows what would've happened. However, I did learn a valuable lesson. Sometimes it takes failing a few times, or maybe a few hundred times, before we can get it right. But the end result can, and always, will be better if we keep at it. I like this quote from Michael Jordan:

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

A lot of times in life we may feel like we've been entrusted to take the game winning shot and then dropped the ball. We may be disappointed but we need not be too hard on ourselves. "When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves." So if you feel like you fallen short, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep your chin up. The game of life is full of opportunities to make baskets. Just keep shootin'.

What's A Mormon??

What's a Mormon?

Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was organized in 1830. The name ‘Mormon’ is a nickname because of the Church’s belief in the Book of Mormon 1

So who is Mormon and what is the Book of Mormon?

Mormon was an actual historical figure in the Book of Mormon. He was a prophet, military general, and record keeper who lived about A.D. 311-385 on the American Continent. After recording the history of his own lifetime, he compiled and abridged the records, engraved on plates of gold, of previous prophets. These plates were part of the record from which the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon in the early 19th century. 2

Some may ask if Mormons believe in Christ. The answer is a resounding yes! Gordon Hinckley, past president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said this, " We, of course, accept Jesus Christ as our Leader, our King, our Savior...the dominant figure in the history of the world, the only perfect Man who ever walked the earth, the living Son of the living God. He is our Savior and our Redeemer through whose atoning sacrifice has come the opportunity of eternal life. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pray and worship in the name of Jesus Christ. He is the center of our faith and the head of our Church. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ and witnesses of His divinity, His life, and His Atonement.”3

Hopefully, after reading this you will have a better understanding of what a Mormon is. Please visit the following links for more:

FAQ

Mormons

Videos

By Governing the Tongue, We Gain Perfection

Our mouths can sure get us into a lot of trouble if we are not careful.. But they can also enable us to lift, inspire, and express our love toward others. I hope that we choose the latter.

James 3:4 reads "Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth." Just as a boat can be turned by a small part so can our words significantly effect our lives and the lives of others.

In the same chapter of James in verse 5 it says, "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" Fire is another great analogy for our mouths. Just a small flame can start the biggest forest fire. I'm sure we've all seen this happen before. Just look at what gossip can do...

Another part of speaking doesn't necessarily have to do with what is said, but how it is said. I would encourage you to read a talk by President Thomas S. Monson entitled, "School Thy Feelings, O My Brother." It's subtitle reads: If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry.

I am grateful for the words of and voices of many people. I'm especially thankful for the words of prophets that show us the way.

Repentance - A Car Wash for the Soul

As missionaries we've been asked to wash our vehicles every week. Sometimes the complaint is heard, "Why do we have to wash it today?? It's just gonna get dirty next week..."

Similar to washing the car, repentance should be done regularly. Regardless of what happens tomorrow we need to strive to be clean of what happened last week, yesterday, and today. Having a clean car is a continuing process just as having a clean soul should be.

Driving a freshly washed car around definitely has a different feel than driving a filthy one. Also, the Lord has declared that “no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven” (Alma 11:37). We must be prepared to enter the Lord's presence at all times. Lastly, it just feels good to be clean. So, let's wash up often.

Whistle While You Work

My high school summers were spent working at good ol' Cherry Hill, a family friendly water park complete with a pirate ship. I worked as a lifeguard which was sometimes uncomfortable for me. You see, I'm not that big on confrontation and sometimes that's exactly what happens while on the job. For instance:

Let's say I am stationed at the swimming pool and some one starts to do flips into the water (aka breaking the rules). It is my job to tell them to stop. Most of the time they were compliant but it didn't always go over as well as I might have hoped. It was especially hard to ask someone to stop breaking the rules when the lifeguard before allowed them to do whatever they wanted. It was uncomfortable but it was my responsibility to keep them safe.

The same thing applies to every one of us. We often have responsibility to protect others from harm. When we, as a parent or leader, see something happening that shouldn't be, we need to blow the whistle immediately. The longer we wait the more damage is done. Although others may let it slide we need to stand up for what we know.

Toothpaste, Ties, and T-shirts

So yesterday I bought some toothpaste from the store. I was so excited to open it and use it last night that I had to laugh at myself. What a silly thing to get excited over. But as I thought about it I realized that it makes me happy whenever I buy things. Examples would be ties or t-shirts. The truth is, however, that about a week or two after the purchase the shirt becomes just the same as any other. The happiness buying stuff gives me is not lasting.

But there is happiness out there that does last. And it doesn't come from toothpaste or even a brand new tie. It comes from living the way our Savior has asked us to. In the words of King Benjamin, "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

I would invite each of us to consider the words of King Benjamin and the state of those that keep the commandments of God. I know that if we live by the commandments we will be truly happy.

So I guess I won't be needing my toothpaste anymore... Just kidding.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

We effect those around us. It's as simple as that. No matter what we do, we have an impact on our friends and neighbors. Often, this effect can be difficult to see. Sometimes we may think that our actions, good or bad, have no consequence. However, when we take a closer look we can see ourselves in the people around us.

I'm sure you've heard the common saying, "They've been married for so long they even look like each other."  Physically, that might not actually be true, but we do pick up mannerisms and attitude from those that we spend time with. Take a look at your own life. Think of who has influenced you and who you influence. Hopefully, we each strive to have a positive reflection.

Mormon Messages

Mormon Messages on YouTube provides short video clips that are uplifting, edifying, and important to society. It is a great place to learn about the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I trust that you will be uplifted as you take 5 minutes out of your day to view just one of these messages. However, I find it difficult to stop watching after only one. The following clip is one of my favorites:

To view more messages like this please visit The Mormon Channel.

The Ripple Effect

A pebble dropped in a pond does not simply disappear.

Likewise, a person born into the world does not leave this existence without effecting those around them.

Throughout our lives we have the opportunity to make many decisions, millions even. Each decision we make has a consequence. Our choices effect not only ourselves but everyone around us. Some decisions seem to have a very small ripple effect while others are like dropping a boulder into a swimming pool. Hopefully we are aware of the effect that we have on others and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

Textbook Tackle

Back in the day when I used to play football my coaches would often tell us to tackle by the textbook. I am not sure if there is any specific textbook that they were referring to. But I know I never read it. Actually I think they were just using the word "textbook" as a synonym for the words "original" or "proper". In a way, we should live our lives by the textbook. Unlike football, however, we can be sure which textbook we should refer to.

Our Heavenly Father has given us prophets who have written His word (aka the scriptures). Just as a good tackle is made up of certain components, our lives can be "textbook" if we live by the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Especially now, in the fourth quarter before the Lord returns, we need to live by the "textbook" more than ever. As a modern day Apostle has said, "Don't delay. It's getting late."1.

Spiritual Hobbies

President Uchtdorf recently taught that our activities should not be inspired by any flashy trend or interest of the moment. He says, "Otherwise, they can distract our efforts, dilute our energy, and get us caught in our own hobbies, spiritual or temporal, that are not the center of discipleship."

So what exactly is a spiritual hobby?

Here's an example that will hopefully make sense:

Jessica reads her scriptures for an hour everyday at 6:00 AM. One morning she gets a phone call at 5:45 AM. One of Jessica's friends has been seriously hurt and needs her assistance to get to the hospital. She considers going to help but remembers that she has to study so she decides to stay home and read instead.

Now, this is kind of an extreme example but hopefully it gets the point across. I would encourage each of us to take a look at the activities that occupy our lives. Ask yourself, "Is this activity worth my time?"

1/2 Hearted

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts." - Jacob 6:5

The Lord asks for our whole hearts. Therefore we must do everything that He asks of us. Sometimes these things can seem difficult, for instance: paying a full tithe, waking up at 8:00 AM to make it church on time, or taking time out of our schedules to serve others. However, to grasp onto His arm of mercy we must not harden or withhold our hearts from Him. We must never give a 1/2 hearted effort.

Steroids!

Recently, I have been studying the Book of Job in the Old Testament. I am continually impressed with his perseverance and faith. One thing, in particular, stood out to me. In Chapter 24 it talks about the fact that murderers, adulterers, those who oppress the poor, and wicked often go unpunished. In verse 12 Job points out that though, "Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out . . . God layeth not folly to them."

In life those who cheat the system may seem to gain the upperhand. However, in the end everyone will gain that which they have earned (see 2 Corinthians 9:6). As of late, the sporting world has uncovered many cases of athletes using steroids. It seems to me that those athletes who knowingly break the rules by using steroids will gain an advantage over those who do not. However, those who cheat in order to win are never fully satisfied. Not to mention, once they find out that you have been using steroids you could end up in prison.

There are always consequences to our actions whether they come immediately or not. You can never get something for nothing.

Mormon Channel Video

While perusing through the Mormon Channel on Youtube I discovered a video that I found quite comical. I figured I'd post it here and share it with everyone. Enjoy!

Construction and Criticism

Something that I struggle with at times is taking advice from others. So this post is more for myself than perhaps anyone else.

In athletics it is common to have a coach of sorts who helps you to fix things you are doing wrong. There are other reasons for coaches but this is definitely a main focus. As the athlete, you have to learn to listen to what your coach says and then change how you perform a certain thing. For me, it's always been easy to listen to most of my coaches. However, I have had coaches who I felt like didn't know what they were talking about. It is very difficult to follow what they say when you feel like you know better.

The same principle applies to our spiritual athleticism. It's often easy to take advice from someone we respect and admire but difficult when it comes from others. When we feel like we have had more experience it is hard to listen to what they say without becoming defensive. The truth is that we should listen carefully to all criticism and look for the truth in what they are saying. We shouldn't become defensive or begin attacking their weaknesses as if that would somehow make it better.

I know that it's difficult. It is something I have a tough time with. But I know that the principles are true. Hopefully we can begin to self-construct rather that self-destruct and build each other up as well.

See also: Job 5:17

Tools and Swords

As the Jews rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem Nehemiah recounts, "They which builded on the wall . . . every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." (Nehemiah 4:17)

I found this scripture applicable to our day because here we are trying to build up Zion, the New Jerusalem (see Articles of Faith 1:10), and Satan is constantly attacking us. Therefore, we must have the tools necessary to build Zion in one hand and the weapons to fend off Satan in the other. It's important though that we don't put our tools down and allow warring with the adversary to occupy all of our time. And it's equally important to never lay our weapons down because we must always be ready to defend ourselves and the truth.

Hydrate or Die

Water (also known as H2O) is essential. Our bodies require it for a plethora of different functions. I had a great scout leader who would always advise us to hydrate or die when we would go on hikes or things of that nature.

Drinking water is necessary when playing sports, especially in warm climates. As bodies undergo physical exertion they begin to sweat. As this sweat evaporates it cools our bodies down. If we do not have enough fluids in us this process cannot happen which leads to dangerous circumstances.

The same principle applies to our spiritual well-being. We have got to stay hydrated with Christ, the living water. Christ said of Himself, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Living Water. Is it in you?

Links of an Eternal Chain

Many people in the world today have desires to find out their family history, where they came from. There is something satisfying about making connections with your ancestors. I experienced this when I read my great-grandfather's World War I diary. I felt like a hole was filled that I didn't know was there.

Elder Russel M. Nelson, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said, "Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."1

The picture above represents what a family chain looks like when the ordinances in the temple have not been completed. In order for a fullness of joy to be complete, everyone must be linked properly together.

Easter 2012

Easter Season is here once again. It is a great time of year to think about Christ. We had the great opportunity to attend a baptism this morning. This young sister was able to start anew and begin her journey back to our Father in Heaven. We all have that chance.

Because of Christ we can become clean from sin. Let us reflect this time of year on the gifts Jesus Christ gave us two thousand years ago and the gifts he continues to give us.

The Parable of the Soccer Coach

A parable of sorts:

A soccer coach by the name of Coach Shepard was looking forward to a start of a new season. His team, the Rams, recently had tryouts and things were looking good. Coach Shepard posted the results and talked to each member of his team. He complimented them on their hard work and dedication. He advised them that they were now on his team and would be required to play only for him and no one else. Some might think this unfair or maybe too controlling of Coach Shepard but he understood the importance of keeping his team unified and separate from any outside sources.

See Alma 5:57

Walls, Doors, and Windows

Life is like a big building. We travel from room to room until we make our exit. Behind each door of decision lies a consequence, for the good or the bad. The walls of the world hide these consequences. However, the Lord has given us the gift of the Holy Ghost which acts as a window. Through the Holy Ghost, the window of opportunity, we can better see the results of our actions and choices. So how do we get this gift?

In the Book of Acts we read that it must be conferred upon us, after baptism, by the laying on of hands by someone who holds the priesthood. Neither the priesthood nor the gift of the Holy Ghost can be bought with money as Peter teaches in the 8th chapter of Acts. Rather, it must be given from God (See Hebrews 5:4).

Once we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost we are promised that if we live worthily we will have that companionship always. When this is the case we can look through the windows of the building of life into the next room and thus make better decisions. Let us each strive to gain and retain this gift.

Go With Him Twain

Matthew 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

The Doctrine of Christ

The following is a talk that I wrote for the Kalispell 3rd Ward's Sacrament Meeting about a month ago. I didn't get to share it all so I figured I would just put it on here. Sorry, but it'll just be in bullet point format. Here goes:

"Strengthening their understanding of the doctrine of Christ will do more to . . . build their excitement to do missionary work than anything else you can do." -Preach My Gospel pg. 161
What is the Doctrine of Christ?
2 Nephi 31:17-21 Note: Unshaken faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, Endure to the End.

Faith
Bible Dictionary: "Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true, and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation."
Pray with faith to be able to assist the Lord in this great work.
See Alma 31:26, 35. Note the difference from the beginning of Alma's prayer to the end? What was the turning point? Vs. 31 - "comfort my soul in Christ."

Repentance
"Our faith in Christ and our love for Him lead us to repent, or to change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with His will." Preach My Gospel pg. 62

Baptism
When we are baptized we covenant to:
-Mourn with those that mourn
-Comfort those that stand in need of comfort
-Stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places
In L. Tom Perry's talk, Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear, he says, "There are a number of things that we can do - that you can do - to advance an understanding of the Church." Some of those things include:
1. Be bold in our declaration of Jesus Christ
2. Be righteous examples to others
3. Speak up about the Church

Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost will help us do missionary work. "If we listen with love, we won't need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us - by the Spirit and by our friends." -Elder Holland
John 14:26-27 Speaks about the Holy Ghost bringing things to our remembrance an and also bringing us peace.

Endure to the End
After doing all of this it is important that we don't stop. We must keep pressing forward looking toward Christ (2 Nephi 31:20). If we will continue on this path then we will have eternal life.

Ultimate: the Ultimate Game

Ultimate frisbee is one of my all-time favorite sports. We played it a lot during my high school years. I was never the best at throwing the disc, but I could catch it decent enough. However, there were others on the team that could throw it really well, but maybe weren't the best at catching.

The same goes for life. Nobody is the best at everything. Rather, we depend on each other to accomplish things we can't do on our own. I heard a quote recently that goes like this, "Everyone is your superior in at least one way." I believe that was attributed to Austin Goff, by the way. But I really like that. Each one of us has strengths and weaknesses and if we will work together we can accomplish great things.

Check out President Uchtdorf's talk on the subject by clicking right here.

Footprints

Many people are familiar with the poem, "Footprints in the Sand." It is a great poem illustrating how much we rely on the Savior in our lives.

Sometimes we think that we do not need the Savior's help. Sometimes we think we can make it without Him. While it is important to do our best and do many of things of our "own free will"1 we should always recognize our need for the Lord. As King Benjamin taught, God supports us each day "by lending [us] breath..."2 We depend so much on Him. Take a look at the poem and see what you think. Just click on the picture below.

Smash Brothers

    Although I wouldn't consider playing video games a sport I did participate in the playing of them from time to time. One game, in particular, that I enjoyed was called Super Smash Bros. I also played games such as Mario Kart and Guitar Hero. Some would say that playing video games is a waste of time. I would agree with them on some points. However, before my mission I spent about a month at home not working. Needless to say I had a lot of down time. So I looked forward to when my brothers would come home from school and we could play video games amongst other activities. The time we spent laughing and playing together is a great memory of mine.

    There's nothing wrong with playing video games once in a while. The trouble starts when we can't go a day (or even a few hours) without sitting in front of the TV with a controller in our hands. So, that being said, it might be a good idea to examine how much time you spend on your XBOX or Wii and consider what's most important in the long run. I testify that the important things in life are actual not virtual.

    Please visit the following links for more on the subject:

• Keeping Safe and Balanced in a Google-YouTube-Twitter-Facebook-iEverything World
• Unplugged
• Just a Game?

Get a Grip

Ann M. Dibb gave a talk entitled "Hold On" in which she talked about the need for us to take hold of the scriptures and never let go. She shared a few great stories that I would highly suggest reading. I also wanted to submit one more analogy to go along with her talk:

I have never been much of a rock climber but I've given it a shot a time or two. Afterwards I always come away with very tired and sore forearms. The muscles in my arms become quite tired of gripping the rocks and lifting myself up to the next handhold. There is, however, a solution to this problem. If I were to take time each day to practice rock-climbing, getting a better grip, I would become a much better climber and be able to accomplish a lot more.

The same is true with our scripture study. If we will spend time everyday "getting a better grip" by reading the words of the Prophets then we can accomplish much more in our lives and become the best climbers we can be. I would urge each of us to study the scriptures daily.

Oranges - Sharing is Caring

Well I had an orange for lunch today, it was delicious by the way, and I couldn't help but notice how convenient that this fruit is for sharing. How peculiar, I thought, that it would grow into separate wedges. Although, I didn't happen to share my orange today (Elder Gunnerson is allergic) it was a reminder to me of all the wonderful things our Heavenly Father has given us to share with each other. More specifically, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May we share with our neighbor that fruit which our Father has given us, the fruit of the Tree of Life.

Too Quick to Compare

I like to play basketball. And I would even go as far to say that I think I am a decent player. However, that depends on who you compare me to. For instance, if you compared me to Michael Jordan I wouldn't seem so decent anymore. But if you compared me to someone who's picked up a basketball like once I might seem kinda decent after all.

Our success in life is not dependent on how much better we are compared to others. The things that matter in life cannot be measured against anyone else. Our Father in Heaven considers us successful when we better our talents and learn to love others unconditionally. He doesn't judge us in comparison with our neighbors but in comparison with our best possible selves. We know we are successful when we can feel the Spirit in our lives, when we have love towards our fellow man, when we are obedient, and when we are at peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So don't sweat it if your neighbor can garden better than you, or your friend at school seems to do better in math class. Just remember to do your best and Heavenly Father will give you success.

What Will YOU Do With the Time that's Left

As missionaries we don't get to have our own computers so we often rely on the community library to use the internet in sharing the gospel. As I have walked in and out of this building a number of times I have come to realize that there are a lot of books. There are books about literally everything and even if I spent the rest of my life reading them I couldn't even finish the books in the small library of Kalispell, MT.

"So what's your point?" you might ask. The point is that our time is limited here on earth and we should spend it doing worthwhile things. There is a song I really like entitled: Time That is Left. One of the verses reads:

What will you do with the time that's left?

Will you live it all with no regret?
Will they say that you loved till your final breath?
What will you do with the time?

So give that one some thought and possibly make an adjustment to how you spend your time.

O Be Wise

A short and simple verse from the Book of Mormon reads, "O be wise; what can I say more?" -Jacob 6:12

So what is wisdom?

According to the dictionary on my desk it means knowledge of what is true or right coupled with good judgement.

I find that very interesting. If we want to heed Jacob's counsel and be wise we must first gain knowledge. This knowledge comes from things like going to church, reading our scriptures, and other things. But it doesn't end there. We have to correctly apply the things we learned or else we might become the opposite of wise and that's foolish. None of us want that now, do we??

So all I can say is, "Be wise."